🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had netted only a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.